A quarterly publication of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis, IN.
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Volume 42, Issue 1 Jan - Mar 2016 A President at the Crossroads Benjamin Harrison became president during a pivotal time in our country’s history. While no wars were declared or armies massed, significant national issues divided the electorate and redefined party platforms. Here are some of the ways that President Harrison played an important role in the dawn of the modern era: Harrison had the first peacetime billion-dollar budget The first federal budget submitted in 1789 was about $75 million. For the next few decades, the budget did not significantly increase. Even in 1860, it was under $100 million. The budget increased drastically during the Civil War, rising above $1 billion in 1865, then shinking to $293 million by 1870. When Harrison took office, the government was running a surplus. There was concern that so much government money was a drag on the economy. Harrison thought the best way to get the money back in circulation was to expand veteran pensions, including pensions for widows and orphans. Other ideas were put up for discussion as well. With a majority in both houses of congress, Harrison and Republican legislators were able to enact much of their agenda. The 51st congress passed 531 laws, an unprecedented level of accomplishment unmatched until Theodore Roosevelt’s second term. Henry Cabot Lodge wrote, “No Congress in peace time has passed so many great & important measures of lasting value to the people.” Significant measures relating to reorganizing the federal courts, tariffs, internal improvements, and naval expansion were approved. Harrison also signed the Sherman Anti-Trust Act "to protect trade and commerce against unlawful restraints and monopolies," the first Federal act attempting to regulate trusts. For better or worse, Harrison‘s activism can be seen in the increase of federal workers. In 1871, the federal government employed 51,000 people, but 20 years later in 1891, more than 157,000 people worked directly for Uncle Sam. Obviously, all of this activity had a cost attached to it. For the first time except in war, Congress appropriated a billion dollar budget in 1890. When critics attacked "the billion-dollar congress," Speaker Thomas Reed flippantly replied, "Well, this is a billion-dollar country." His remark sparked criticism from those who felt that the government was consuming too much of the nation’s financial resources. Women who voted, voted for Harrison Harrison was the first president to receive votes from women. New Jersey briefly gave women the right to vote from 1804 to 1807. In that era, people did not vote directly for a president, but rather for electors pledged to support a certain candidate. The Territory of Wyoming, when it was first incorporated in 1869, tried to entice more women to relocate themselves to a rugged west by offering them suffrage. This right was maintained when Wyoming became the 44th state in 1890. Historian George Noles wrote that, “Wyoming gave women the right to vote in all elections; consequently in 1892, for the first time, women voted in a presidential election.” (continued on pg. 4)
Transcript
Volume 42, Issue 1 Jan - Mar 2016
A President at the CrossroadsBenjamin Harrison became president during a pivotal time in our country’s history. While no wars were declared or armies massed, significant national issues divided the electorate and redefined party platforms. Here are some of the ways that President Harrison played an important role in the dawn of the modern era:
Harrison had the first peacetime billion-dollar budget The first federal budget submitted in 1789 was about $75 million. For the next few decades, the budget did not significantly increase. Even in 1860, it was under $100 million. The budget increased drastically during the Civil War, rising above $1 billion in 1865, then shinking to $293 million by 1870. When Harrison took office, the government was running a surplus. There was concern that so much government money was a drag on the economy. Harrison thought the best way to get the money back in circulation was to expand veteran pensions, including pensions for widows and orphans. Other ideas were put up for discussion as well.
With a majority in both houses of congress, Harrison and Republican legislators were able to enact much of their agenda. The 51st congress passed 531 laws, an unprecedented level of accomplishment unmatched until Theodore Roosevelt’s second term. Henry Cabot Lodge wrote, “No Congress in peace time has passed so many great & important measures of lasting value to the people.” Significant measures relating to reorganizing the federal courts, tariffs, internal improvements, and naval expansion were approved. Harrison also
signed the Sherman Anti-Trust Act "to protect trade and commerce against unlawful restraints and monopolies," the first Federal act attempting to regulate trusts. For better or worse, Harrison‘s activism can be seen in the increase of federal workers. In 1871, the federal government employed 51,000 people, but 20 years later in 1891, more than 157,000 people worked directly for Uncle Sam. Obviously, all of this activity had a cost attached to it. For the first time except in war, Congress appropriated a billion dollar budget in 1890. When critics attacked "the billion-dollar congress," Speaker Thomas Reed flippantly replied, "Well, this is a billion-dollar country." His remark sparked criticism from those who felt that the government was consuming too much of the nation’s financial resources.
Women who voted, voted for Harrison
Harrison was the first president to receive votes from women. New Jersey briefly gave women the right to vote from 1804 to 1807. In that era, people did not vote directly for a president, but rather for electors pledged to support a certain candidate. The Territory of Wyoming, when it was first incorporated in 1869, tried to entice more women to relocate themselves to a rugged west by offering them suffrage. This right was maintained when Wyoming became the 44th state in 1890. Historian George Noles wrote that, “Wyoming gave women the right to vote in all elections; consequently in 1892, for the first time, women voted in a presidential election.” (continued on pg. 4)
The Benjamin Harrison
Presidential Site
1230 N. Delaware St.Indianapolis, IN
46202317.631.1888
Charles A. Hyde, President & CEO
Charles A. HydePresident & CEO
Presidential Site Team
Margaret SalleeDirector of Operations
Jennifer CappsVP of Curatorship
& Exhibition
Ashleigh Graves-RoeslerVP of Development
Roger HardigVP of Education
David PleissDirector of Learning
Resources
Stacy ClarkEvents Specialist
Julio ZepedaFacilities Manager
Gary LarreateguiWeekend Supervisor
Lukas RameyVolunteer Experience
Manager
Volume 42, Issue 1 2
From the President
“those who
would associate their names with events that shall
outlive a century can only do so by high
consecration to duty”
Our mission is to share the life stories, arts and
culture of an American President
to increase public participation in the American system of
self-government.
Much as Indiana is at the crossroads of America, Benjamin Harrison is at the crossroads of the Presidency. This issue of The Statesman explores the idea more deeply, but Harrison’s anticipation of the modern era reflects well on Indiana, from his advocacy of African-American civil rights to the Sherman Anti-Trust Act to his powerful conservation legacy.
These are important ideas to consider as our state celebrates its 200th anniversary, and explores the important forces that helped shape Indiana—even as it helped shape a nation.
While many are aware that Benjamin Harrison was a Civil War hero and nationally respected lawyer and statesman, he was also the country’s centennial president, inaugurated 100 years after George Washington. This propitious anniversary was met with national celebration, and at the festivities he declared:
“We have come into the serious but always inspiring presence of Washington. He was the incarnation of duty and he teaches us today this great lesson: that those who would associate their names with events that shall outlive a century can only do so by high consecration to duty. Self-seeking has no public observance or anniversary.”
In many ways this encapsulates the story of Harrison’s greater “legacy in action” and speaks to the potential he has to inspire today, both on an intellectual and deeply personal level. The selfless example that statesmanship sets forward on civic duties and citizenship should be an important thread interwoven into the fabric of Hoosier history education.
How do we accomplish this? As the foremost Presidential Site in Indiana, we are uniquely
positioned to share stories like this and make a significant impact—whether
onsite, offsite or online. Thanks to your investment as a member and donor, we are finding new and creative ways to share the Presidential Site’s remarkable educational resources with
the community. We are making a real impression on every person we serve: a
disadvantaged child in an innovative school program; a college intern discovering a new
passion; a senior citizen experiencing Candlelight Theatre for the first time; a neighbor voting at our polling site on Election Day; and one day soon, a researcher digitally exploring our collection of over 10,000 nationally-significant artifacts.
Benjamin Harrison has been remembered by eminent contemporaries and by history as having “exemplified the faith he taught—industry—fidelity—courage—sound statesmanship and justice through law”. Today we carry forward this great civic “legacy in action” with 25,000 visitors annually—including almost 15,000 Hoosier school children.
This is an important year for our state, and an important year for the Presidential Site. We look forward to sharing more with you about how you can support this “legacy in action” in 2016 as we celebrate another important crossroads for Indiana and the presidency!
Volume 42, Issue 1 3
Plan Your VisitFebruary 58:30-9amCoffee with the Curator
February 1510am-3:30pmPresident’s Day LIVE
March 18:30-9amCoffee with the Curator
March 4-December 3110am-3:30pm“President at the Crossroads” Exhibit
March 199-10:30amPresidential Egg Roll
April 18:30-9amCoffee with the Curator
The Croquet RoquetThe Croquet RoquetWicket World of Croquet Fall InvitationalOctober 8, 2015 • 5:30-7pm • First 100 Registrants FREE
You’ve seen it in Midwest Living. You’ve heard about it from your friends. Here's your chance to try your hand at croquet play with this social invitational.
Here’s the catch—only the first 100 registrants get to come. We’re inviting you because you’re a Presidential Site friend, you’ve been recommended by a friend…or you look good in white pants. Stroll the South lawn of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, enjoy Sun King beer and food truck goodies, join in a playful leisure tournament and try your hand at the Croquet Roquet challenge.
Make reservations now online or by calling the Presidential Site at 317-631-1888.The Croquet Roquet is a 21+ event. Since we are after Labor Day no need for dress whites at this Roquet.
The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site | 1230 North Delaware Street | Indianapolis, IN 46202 | PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org
What kind of player will you be?
THE HUSTLERThis sweet talking charmer blinds you with compliments and plays nice until the minute you drop your guard.
THE ENFORCER‘Sending’ an opponent’s ball is not a croquet necessity,but she seems to get some kind of sick pleasure from it.
THE SCRAPPEROne minute you’re swapping recipes, the next she’s delivering a knockout blow and the game is over.
THE BRUTEWhat he lacks in finesse and social graces he makes up for with an absolute refusal to go down quietly.
The Croquet RoquetThe Croquet RoquetWicket World of Croquet Fall InvitationalOctober 8, 2015 • 5:30-7pm • First 100 Registrants FREE
You’ve seen it in Midwest Living. You’ve heard about it from your friends. Here's your chance to try your hand at croquet play with this social invitational.
Here’s the catch—only the first 100 registrants get to come. We’re inviting you because you’re a Presidential Site friend, you’ve been recommended by a friend…or you look good in white pants. Stroll the South lawn of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, enjoy Sun King beer and food truck goodies, join in a playful leisure tournament and try your hand at the Croquet Roquet challenge.
Make reservations now online or by calling the Presidential Site at 317-631-1888.The Croquet Roquet is a 21+ event. Since we are after Labor Day no need for dress whites at this Roquet.
The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site | 1230 North Delaware Street | Indianapolis, IN 46202 | PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org
What kind of player will you be?
THE HUSTLERThis sweet talking charmer blinds you with compliments and plays nice until the minute you drop your guard.
THE ENFORCER‘Sending’ an opponent’s ball is not a croquet necessity,but she seems to get some kind of sick pleasure from it.
THE SCRAPPEROne minute you’re swapping recipes, the next she’s delivering a knockout blow and the game is over.
THE BRUTEWhat he lacks in finesse and social graces he makes up for with an absolute refusal to go down quietly.
2nd Annual Presidential Egg RollSat, March 19 . 9am-10:30am
Celebrate spring with an egg-cellent adventure on the south lawn of the Presidential Site! Dress the kids or grandkids in their Easter best and let them enjoy vintage fun with spirited egg rolling, stories, crafts and breakfast. Plus, they’ll get to make their very own keepsake wooden Easter egg. And what egg roll would be complete without a visit with the Easter Bunny? Hop to it and make your reservation today at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.
In Candlelight Theatre’s spring production of “Mystery & Murder!,” the audience will delve into the questions “Who?,” “Why?” and “How?,” in this trilogy of vintage one-act plays in which circumstances are not always as they seem and death comes from unlikely suspects! The Cameo Murders, by James Trofatter, will be performed in the back parlor. Phoebe Tarkington is convinced she’ll be the next target of a neighborhood murderer, as anxiety stretches the limits of her sanity. Is this the work of a serial killer with a fascination with cameo jewelry? In the dining room, Picture Imperfect will be performed. This is Michael Yashinsky’s poignant and compelling character study of a tired, young Harvard medical student whose active imagination carries him well beyond the confines of normality. Will the past draw him in so tightly that he loses the present? The Proposition, by James Trofatter, will be played in the sitting room. When Mary Worthington discovers her husband’s infidelity is not only wrecking their marriage but also squandering the family’s fortune, she offers a proposition: “Kill my husband and I’ll pay you handsomely for your efforts.” Is the proposition accepted? Discover the answers to these burning questions this April as you enjoy our intimate style theatre ensconced in the rich ambiance of original President Harrison furnishings and candlelight.
April 15-16, 22-24, 29-308pm evenings, 2pm Sunday“Mystery & Murder,” presented by Candlelight Theatre
Wicket World of CroquetSaturday, June 4 . 1pmRegistration now open!PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org
Volume 42, Issue 1 4
You might think that Harrison is tied with Cleveland for this distinction, but that’s not the case. Cleveland was off the ballot in Wyoming and five other western states. This was because of the third-party Populists, who felt that their message would resonate more if they won some electoral votes. They made a deal to support the Democratic state candidates if the Democrats removed Cleveland from the ballot. So in Colorado, Idaho, North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Wyoming, it was a Harrison vs. James Weaver contest. Weaver carried five of the six states, but Harrison prevailed in Wyoming. So the first time women could vote in a US presidential election, they voted for Harrison!
Harrison made the first presidential National Park visit
Yellowstone National Park was established by Congress on March 1, 1872. In the summer of 1880, while traveling to Montana to visit his son, Harrison met up with a party that included Senator John Sherman of Ohio and the artist Albert Bierstadt. The group was on its way to Yellowstone, and invited Harrison along. They stayed at Marshall’s Hotel near the Old Faithful geyser, the first hotel built at Yellowstone. Awestruck, Harrison spent several days there, and fell in love with its amazing landscape.
Although a formal park system wasn’t launched until 1916, Harrison got the process started with the National Forestry Reserve Act of 1891, which gave the president the authority to protect western lands from development or exploitation. He preserved more than 13 million acres through this legislation, opening the first urban park (Rock Creek in Washington, D.C.), the first military parks (Chickamauga and Chattanooga), and the first national park in Alaska (Sitka).
Benjamin Harrison’s legacy extended beyond the legislative—he also helped shape our national conscientiousness and sense of self as a nation:
The Harrisons had the first Presidential Christmas Tree
Why did it take so long to get a Christmas tree in the White House? The custom of decorating a Christmas tree was first introduced in Germany during the late 18th Century. It became popular in America in the 1840s, thanks in part to Queen Victoria’s German husband Prince Albert. A woodcut of the British Royal family at Windsor Castle became the first widely circulated picture of a decorated
Christmas tree in America. By the 1870s, putting up a Christmas tree had become common in America.
Franklin Pierce was the first President to decorate a White House Christmas tree, but he made no attempt to publicize it. The tradition was not begun in earnest until the presidency of Harrison. On Christmas morning in 1889, the Harrison family gathered in the second-floor Oval Room and stood around a tree decorated with glass ornaments, toy soldiers, and lit candles. The Harrisons played an essential role in setting the stage for this tradition. The first family’s Christmas tree is still set up in the same location in the White House chosen by the 23rd President. Harrison was the first president to attend a major-league baseball game
American Presidents have a long connection with professional baseball. On June 6, 1892, Harrison became the first to attend a major league game, during which the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Washington Senators 7-4 in 11 innings. One newspaper remarked disparagingly that “the President’s presence did not help the home team much.” (Given Harrison’s birthplace, he might have been rooting for the Reds!) Three weeks later, on June 25, Harrison saw his second game. Once again, the Senators were defeated, this time by the Philadelphia Phillies, 9-2. Sporting Life, a weekly baseball publication, featured a front page article about both games attended by Harrison. The article described Harrison as “a great lover of baseball.” It was at a baseball game at Stanford that future president Herbert Hoover had his first “brush with greatness,” as he described it, when he collected President Harrison’s ticket fee in the stands. Harrison initiated the flying of the U.S. Flag at schools and the first publicized Pledge of Allegiance
Francis Bellamy, writer of the Pledge of Allegiance, was also Chairman of the executive committee for the National Public School Celebration of Columbus Day in 1892. In this capacity, he asked President Harrison to endorse two agendas: the flying of the U.S. flag over every school, and the education of the country’s youth about the concept of patriotism. With Ellis Island about to open for the first time to new immigrants, the president heartily agreed.
On June 21, 1892, he signed the proclamation that stated “Let the National Flag float over every school house in the country and the exercises be such as shall impress upon our youth the patriotic duties of American citizenship!” On Columbus Day, 1892, the first Pledge of Allegiance was published with the president’s approbation. ---Gary Larreategui
A President at the Crossroads (continued)
Photograph of the “President Harrison” tree at Henry Cowell Redwoods. It was 65 ft. in circumference and 265 ft. high.
Volume 42, Issue 1 5
2016 Exhibition: President at the CrossroadsMarch 4 - December 31, 2016monday-saturday, 10am - 3:30pm
Benjamin Harrison was at the crossroads of America, and at the crossroads of the presidency—bridging the 19th and 20th centuries in surprising and unexpected ways. This new exhibit focuses on his accomplishments and greater legacy. We will explore his skills and accomplishments as a lawyer, his leadership and integrity as a soldier in the Civil War, and his forethought and accomplishments as President of the United States. We’ll analyze his innovative side as he was a supporter of the developing technologies of electric lights, motion pictures, and voice recordings.Most importantly, we will remember Harrison’s legacy as presidential innovator. Here are a few areas of special significance:Conservation InnovationHarrison was the pioneer of national forest reserves setting aside over 13 million acres for public domain and national forest preserves. Harrison opened our second (Sequoia), third (General Grant), and fourth (Yosemite) national parks, set aside the first military park, the first urban park, and the first prehistoric Indian Ruin to come under federal protection, Casa Grande, Arizona. In the Bering Sea Fur Seal debate, Harrison’s main objective was the protection of the seals that were quickly being exterminated.Sherman Antitrust ActHarrison called for and signed the Sherman Antitrust Act, formally known as the Act of July 2,1890. This was the first United States federal government action to limit monopolies, and is the oldest of all U.S. antitrust laws.African-American Civil Rights Although ultimately defeated by a recalcitrant Congress, Harrison actively championed African-American voting rights and educational opportunities. He appointed civil rights champion Frederick Douglass as his Ambassador to Haiti.
Election Telegraph WireA marketing piece shows Harrison’s early interest in innovative technology. In 1888, he had a special telegraph line sent to the house to receive immediate, first hand presidential campaign news and results. After the election, the Postal Telegraph and Cable Company removed the line. According to the card in our collection, Manager F. W. Samuels certified that the attached wire was “a piece of the original wire running to General Harrison’s house.”
The wire is attached with red ribbon in the upper right corner of the cards, which were given “compliments of” the Model Clothing Company, one of the big dry goods stores in late 1800s Indianapolis. In the 1888 City Directory, they are listed at 43 to 49 East Washington and 2 to 22 South Pennsylvania along with Bernard Rothschild, Isaac M. and Solomon Hays Proprietors.
Pan American ConferenceHarrison brought the countries of the western hemisphere together by extending a warm hand to agents and leaders to discuss industry and common defense in the new era. He proposed reciprocal commercial treaties and encouraged the development of trans-American canal (later realized in Panama).Expansion of the U.S. NavyHarrison championed a two-ocean navy for national defense. Under his administration, the Navy experienced significant growth, and rose from the 12th to the 5th strongest naval power.Early AdopterFrom the telegraph to electricity, Harrison actively sought out and implemented technological innovations. He was the first president to have his voice recorded. We also have reason to believe that he may have invested in the earliest days of film making.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg! Join us this spring to learn more. ---Jennifer Capps
Photo
Cou
rtesy
of La
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tt
Make the Most of Your Membership in 2016!
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site membership is full of experiences and rewards for you, your family, and friends. Your membership gift gives you four seasons of great benefits, and helps to underwrite the cost of high-quality, engaging field trips for thousands of children to visit the Presidential Site and learn more about America’s Hoosier President. Your benefits include:
• FREE daily Presidential Site tour admission • FREE admission to monthly Coffee with the Curator • EXCLUSIVE 10% discount in our gift shop • FREE subscription to The Statesman newsletter • PREFERRED room and facility rental rates • SPECIAL event discounts, programs and more!
Interested in increasing your support? Select the one that is right for you:
Citizen Basic $45 Membership benefits for an individual and one guest
Citizen Plus $65 Includes free admission for up to four children under age 18
Representative $100 All Citizen level benefits plus recognition in the Annual Report.
Senator $250 All Citizen level benefits plus recognition in the Annual Report and complimentary daily tour admission for two additional adult guests.
Justice $500 All Citizen level benefits plus recognition in the Annual Report, complimentary daily tour admission for two additional adult guests, and one complimentary gift membership to share with a friend.
Advisor $1,000 All Civic Leader level benefits plus invitation to the annual President’s Reception.
Cabinet $2,500 All Civic Leader level benefits, invitation to the annual President’s Reception, and a behind-the-scenes private tour with the Curator.
Chief Counsel $5,000 All Civic Leader level benefits, invitation to the annual President’s Reception, a behind-the-scenes private tour with the Curator, and invitation to the President’s Day Dinner.
Chief Executive $10,000+ All Civic Leader level benefits, invitation to the annual President’s Reception, a behind-the-scenes private tour with the Curator, invitation to the President’s Day Dinner, plus a private VIP reception for up to 12 guests at the Presidential Site.
To learn more about your membership or to renew, contact Ashleigh Graves-Roesler, VP of Development, at (317) 631-1888 or [email protected].
Volume 42, Issue 1 6
Special Thanks
We are grateful to the following sponsors and funders for supporting the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in 2015:
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc. Arbutus Garden Club Arthur Jordan Foundation Arts Council of Indianapolis Barnes & Thornburg LLP BMO Private Bank Brandt Construction, Inc. Christel DeHaan Family Foundation Diamond Capital Management George Thomas Florist Hoosier Park Racing & Casino Indiana Arts Commission Indiana Energy Association, Inc. Indiana Grand Racing & Casino Indiana Humanities Indiana University Health Indianapolis Garden Club Junior League of Indianapolis Kiwanis Foundation of Indianapolis Kroger Lacy Foundation Eli Lilly and Company Foundation Marion County Master Gardener Association Mary Tucker Jasper Speaker Fund The National Bank of Indianapolis Print Resources The Questers - Lockerbie Square Chapter 333 R.E.I. Real Estate Services Sease, Gerig & Associates Sun King Brewing Co. LLC Vine & Branch, Inc. Visit Indy WFYI Wing Arts and Humanities Fund
CITIZEN
CIVIC LEADER
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
Questers Partnership Continues to Benefit the MuseumThrough the years, Lockerbie Quester grants have allowed the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site to conserve many artifacts. The latest grant funded the re-upholstering of two chairs in the back parlor and the conservation of an 1892 DAR certificate.
In 1890, the newly formed National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) asked First Lady Caroline Harrison to become their first President General. On the evening of February 24, 1892, Caroline gave an elegant White House reception and dinner and delivered the first speech ever by a sitting First Lady. A local Indianapolis chapter, named after her, was organized in 1894. The DAR certificate, the only one in our collection, is significant because she signed it as the first President General. Many thanks to the Questers for their support!
Volume 42, Issue 1 7
Croquet recap
Become a Volunteer!
The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site always welcomes new volunteers! We are seeking people who are passionate about education and want to share the remarkable life stories of the 23rd president and his family. We are now accepting applications for volunteer tour docents to provide guided tours for the public. We also have many other opportunities for potential volunteers including education assistants, archival and curatorial assistants, special event assistants, writers, public relations assistants, and enactors. We offer unpaid internships and are accepting applications for spring. Volunteering at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is an exciting and rewarding experience. You will have the opportunity to meet new friends, share your passion with like-minded individuals, have new experiences, and to conquer new challenges. Volunteers can expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere from a veteran volunteer corps and an insightful and supportive staff. Volunteers will have access to learning materials and training seminars that will provide all the necessary tools and information to succeed.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Lukas Ramey, Volunteer Experience Manager by phone (317) 631-1888 or by email [email protected].
Future Presidents of AmericaNow accepting applications for Class of 2016June 27 - July 1st
Early application deadline: Feb 1, 2016
Future Presidents of America youth leadership camp is a fun and innovative one-week summer camp for smart, engaged young adults that builds individual confidence, civic literacy and good citizenship.
Young leaders (ages 12-16) will learn firsthand through special interactive sessions, conversations with preeminent civic leaders and statesmen, up-close experiences with historic artifacts and thought-provoking discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing every president—from our country’s heroic 18th century origins through the 23rd president and into the 21st century.
Each day’s programming and field trips focus on a set of themes that explores this rich history through compelling and insightful stories of success—in spite of challenges along the way:
Future Presidents of America helps to reveal the exceptional qualities of character that make for great presidents and great leaders - yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Find out more at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org/visit/future-presidents-of-america
Bicentennial Grant: In Pursuit of State Pride
Bring your 4th grade students for in-depth tours of the Presidential Site, the Indiana State House and the Indiana State Library! Call Roger Hardig for more information at 317-631-2717 or email [email protected].
“In Pursuit of State Pride” is an initiative that has allowed us to serve 4th graders from Marion and Delaware Counties in order to celebrate our state and the bicentennial. There are many challenges for teachers who desire to take students on field trips, and one of the biggest is transportation cost. We have turned this challenge into an opportunity by giving educators 100% reimbursement for bus costs. Additionally, we have made this a multi-visit day by partnering with the Indiana State House and the Indiana State Library. This cooperation of institutions allows teachers to maximize their time out of the classroom, visiting three state treasures in one day. This initiative has been received with so much enthusiasm that we hope in the future to be able to secure underwritten transportation costs.
“I loved all of it. Just to be able to live in history and to have my
favorite class all day was phenomenal.”
---Student from the 2015 graduating class
PRESIDENTIAL SITE HOURSOpen For Tours Monday-Saturday, 10am-3:30pm.
Offices Open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
James Wallis, ChairAndrea Neal, Vice Chair
Susan Bradford, TreasurerHoward J. Lacy IV, Secretary
Michael W. Wells, at largeDavid Sease, Past Chair
Carolyn E. AnkerSteve CampbellDaniel F. Evans
Thomas P. EwbankGeorge W. Geib
Brian HewittEric J. HolcombJason T. KonescoMichael C. Peek
Julian RidlenPeter Rusthoven
Ed SimcoxNikki Woodson
HONORARY DIRECTORSEugene M. Busche
Stan Hurt Boris Meditch
Andrew J. Paine, Jr.Susanne Ridlen
ADVISORY CABINETWilliam BrowneRobert H. Everitt
Jamia Jasper JacobsenJ. Scott KellerJames Kirsch
John L. KraussSusanah M. Mead
James MorrisKimball Harrison Morsman
Virginia Z. Willkie
EX-OFFICIODiane Crabtree
Reserve Your Tickets Now at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org
PRESIDENT & CEOCharles A. Hyde
The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
1230 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
Non-Profit OrganizationUS Postage
PAIDIndianapolis, INPermit No. 4112
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
PRESIDENTIAL SITE HOURSOpen For Tours Monday-Saturday, 10am-3:30pm.
